Coxsackievirus infection, also referred to as coxsackie infection or coxsackievirus disease, is a contagious viral infection caused by a group of viruses known as Coxsackieviruses. This family of viruses belongs to the Picornaviridae family, which also includes the polioviruses and enteroviruses.
Coxsackievirus infection primarily affects infants, children, and occasionally adults. It is most commonly transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets or fecal-oral transmission, as the virus can be found in the respiratory secretions, saliva, feces, and fluid from the blisters or skin rash of infected individuals.
The symptoms of coxsackievirus infection can vary depending on the specific strain of the virus and the individual's immune response. Common symptoms include fever, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and loss of appetite. In some cases, the infection may lead to the development of skin rashes, blisters, or painful sores in the mouth, hands, feet, or buttocks. These blisters are commonly referred to as hand-foot-and-mouth disease.
Most cases of coxsackievirus infection are mild and self-limiting, with symptoms improving within a week or two. However, in rare cases, more severe complications may arise, especially in people with weakened immune systems. These complications can include viral meningitis, encephalitis, myocarditis, pericarditis, or pleurodynia.
Treatment for coxsackievirus infection mainly focuses on managing the symptoms through rest, hydration, over-the-counter pain medication to relieve discomfort, and maintaining good personal hygiene practices to prevent the spread of the virus. In severe cases, antiviral medications or hospital
